Gina's Ramblings

I have a sinus headache, one grounded child and another who is trying to help "too much". Blech
I just went through my youngests dressers and pulled all of the clothes he has outgrown. The kid has gone through a growth spurt. He is 19 months and edging on 3ft tall. But he is skinny so things that fit in the waist are floods! haha I had this problem with #2 and I think he just lived in sweats until he was 3 :)
I WISH I had that problem of being too skinny but nope. Dang the luck!
Good news my husband will be home soon. Seems they messed up the request for work. They needed them only one third of the time they sent them down for. So I am looking forward to that. :)
I called the tattoo shop I had been referred to. The guy that was recommended to me specializes in Celtic work. Our anniversary is in a touch over two weeks... Dangit I forgot the laptops were our gifts to each other. I married one of the few sailors in the USN that isn't tattooed. I am glad he thinks they look good on me (not that I have more than one at this point haha). OK back to the point I want to get into the shop and look at this guys portfolio. Maybe I can work it into the busget next payday if I ask REALLY nice. I do have my ways ;)
Oh man you can see why I cal this my ramblings huh?

When I started out with computers I think the coolest thing I ever did was play Oregon Trail! hahahaha But the internet I swear. Not only am I addicted (shhh don't tell anybody!) but it is an excellent way to chat with people and keep in contact. And man have things come a long way since I met my husband in a chatroom ::cough cough::: many years ago.
I love fresh ideas in chat and chatrooms. Pictari chat has some great chatroom set-up. Well worth a look. I saw quite a diverse group of members.

Technology. Well at least my oldest does today. I got an email from his Lit teacher. Yeah his grade is slipping and he is missing assignments. Time for the Mom Crackdown!!
The kid is smart. Anyone who talks to him for any length of time knows it.
But he is lazy when it comes to schoolwork and homework. I made his friends go home he is now grounded and has until his birthday (the 22nd) to bring his grades up to at least a C and get all of his work in.

Bored. Honest to goodness bored as all get out. My kids are great but #1 has two of his friends over and they are out back (they are giving foosball a break). #2 and his friend are doing Pokemon stuff (gag) The youngest is watching Fraggile rock and is about ready to go down for a nap. That leaves me to this computer, because I am avoiding housework to be honest. My ex's check hasn't shown up (surprise). It isn't like it is much but it helps So I don't have to go to the bank or anything. Bored bored. I thought of going up North but nah don't really want to. I NEED to get the baby his passport. Put that on my list of things to do.
I guess since I don't want to do anything I really cannot complain about being bored can I?

Well you all know he is officially ours. Lock stock and shedding hair! We got him from a wonderful organization calledSeattle Purebred Dog Rescue. I am asking this only because I had such a good experience with them. If you want to or can make a TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation to them I would appreciate it Donate If you could put "German Shepherd" in the payment for section all of the money would go to helping the GSD's. Thanks for listening ;)

Remember how I was talking about the CD (I still want to say album!) from The Killers and how I wanted to hear more tracks?? Yesterday they played the whole thing on the radio! I am definitely getting it on Tuesday!

You know I have always wondered how in the heck you could buy a website or URL. This site DealASite.com is GREAT. It provides a professional and organized way (they have it in a great forum set-up too) for people to buy and sell their URL/domain name or website. I am sure this would be wonderful for both personal and business sites.

Well I could have said that at 3 am, 4 am 5am 6 am and finally at 8 am. Yes siree Bob I was up often. No one to wake up with me either. I feel like today is just a lazy Saturday. I had planned on taking the kids to the dairy. But you know, Maybe not :) Still it is only 10am I have time to make a decision.
So for now I am watching a Mythbusters with my middle son and calling it a morning ;) Nothing like watching guys blow things up.

How many times have I talked about my insomnia here? I know it is an overblogged topic for me haha. Sometimes Western medicine and medications don't help. Look at all of the different prescriptions I tried that DIDN'T work. I have tried Valerian root for sleep It has worked really well. I also have used herbs when I was breastfeeding too to help my milk production. A good place to get all of the herbs I need is pretty helpful I found this place. Chinese Herbs and Alternative Remedies If you are looking for Chinese herbs take a look at that site. I mean think about it how many thousands of years have the Chinese been around? They have use the same remedies for so long. Sometimes it is worth it to explore alternate methods. I am also amazed at how integrated alternative medicine is FINALLY becoming into Western medical practices, yet how much more we have yet to accept.

But OMG the boys and their bickering!!! I never grew up with a sibling in the house. So I was left to my own. So you know I always wished I had a sibling. Probably just as people who came from large famies wish they had their solitude. But when I finally decided I wanted children I wanted a housefull. But DS#1 and #2 are such opposites they ALWAYS bicker. No I am not exagerating ALWAYS. They wake up they bicker they watch TV they bicker, well you get the point Now do not get me wrong they would protect each other to the end as well but they cannot be in the same room with one another.
I braved Costco tonight. I went to the new one. NO LINE ;) They bickered all the way home. Let me say and I get the cool Mom points taken away here. I really really want a minivan or a large SUV (I would retain some cool points there). The fact they are elbow to elbow in the back seat is getting to everybody!!
I have my chicken cesar wrap some merlot and some quiet now I have The Fight club and The Lake House here on DVD. I can brave tommorrow no problem after a good nights sleep (I hope)

You all have no idea how long it took us to come up with 'the right' name for our dogs. We have two German Shepherds. We wanted to give them strong German names. Perfect for a strong German dog! haha

I admit I probably spent as much time naming my dogs as I did naming our children!! Alldognames.com - Dog Names is great it gives you so many tools for picking the perfect name for your dog. Not to mention it is all in one place! Check it out

I got a partial scholarship for my training!! I guess my essay was decent enough to get something!
I hate to say it but yes folks I pulled the military spouse card. I should hang my head in shame huh? NAH. We all know the pay is squat.

OK I admit there are times I get tired of the same ol' same ol' when it comes to baby and kid clothes. How much of the same baby blue tops with some generic design can someone get?? I found Tiny Rocker's clothes so much fun and such a refreshing change! This site cool baby clothes has clothes with personality yet with a positive message.

See aren't these cute?



I love this one :)

Well seeing as how it is that time of the year again I checked our county's webpage for property taxes. I log into our info and After I p/u my jaw off the floor..... Our taxable property value has gone up MORE than $100,000 in the last year!!! Actualy the past 6 months because they reassesed this year too. Our land value more than doubled and I guess the improvemnts we made have paid off our home is valued for more too. Holy Hell. Well I guess we made a good investment. All of this elation subsided when I thought of what next year's taxes will be! Oh Woe is me!!!!

Then again property is assesed normally for More than the county taxes it at. So in that case WOOHOOOO

Oh We will have been in this house for 2 years come April.

No really I forgot, well forget. One of the side effects of this medication is amnesia periods. Since I jst took that med 20 minutes ago. While right now I know I am writing the blog.....tomorrow I will have a vague idea that I wrote in the blog but many things I read for the first time. It is an odd experience. Maybe similar to drunk typing ? hehe..Another thought that may be remembered I would love to go to Japan in November catch a Space A flight out of McChord and explore Japan. We have our passports...lets go!!! Immerse ourselves in culture. totatly screwe up the Japanese language but try all the way ;)
So close yet so far away. If I could talk my husband into an adventure I know the boys will be on noard....of to devilously plan I go mwawshahahahaha

Today nothing terribly exciting happened. My husband called, he did fall asleep. Catching up with an old friend. To top it off I caught that foresaken cold everyone else had. My ear hurts and I am all stuffy. But Nyquil makes it all good for a little while at least ;)

I have realized when dh is gone I am much more on schedule. Not saying that he throws me off or anything just that when he is gone I have to be more on task. Everything gets done and I don't put much off. Besides putting away laundry. I have been informed though that is what kids are for! An untapped resource? hmm quite possibly.

Tomorrow is DS#2's first Spanish class. He is uber excited. The kids are asleep, the dogs are asleep and I am about to take a quick shower. You know I think you all know more about my showering habits than you care to! haha. I will spare you all the body wash scent though ;)

OK all you will have to live without my wittiness until later tonight or tommorrow.

And hon when you wake up in the morning and check my blog MWAH See you soonish.

IS alive!
Turns out the reason for his noncommunication, "Sorry Hon I fell asleep". hehe
No worries anyway. But I still thought it was funny. He missed dinner and everything too though poor guy

I got an email from DSHS. They are pleading for foster homes. Due to the increase in the meth epidemic there is a mass influx into the foster care system and there simply aren't enough foster homes in WA.
Now another thing to think about. Is this something I want to do?

I have started to brush the dogs every morning. I come downstairs get Grady's breakfast then brush the dogs and then vacuum. I figure I am cutting out the middle man and putting the hair on the carpet myself!! HAHA I get HONESTLY about two canisters full when I vacuum of just hair from the two German Shepherds! So let me say I heart the Furminatos And I heart my Dyson (Though I have another model). NOW if they could just combine the FURminator AND Dyson. That would really cut out the middle man!!cgwnw

Insomnia is just a cruel punishment. Maybe I did something to someone somewhere along the line? Maybe I ticked off some sleep god or goddess or something. Do you know how it feels to be tired yet cannot fall asleep? It is like Chinese water torture or something. My poor dog is up here on the bed (the spoiled brat) and looks at me with looks of utter disgust that I keep interrupting his sleep. And tell me how I can take all of these highly advertised insomnia meds (no not all at once)and I am still awake to see the flippin' commercials on TV?? Liars the lot of them!!

I feel like I may be catching a cold. Everyone else had it last week and the week before. And now I may be coming down with it. I know I am

DH may be home earlier than they thought. I really try to get him to work like a stereotypical government employee but nooo they have to be all efficient and all. I thought today because of not getting a phone call from him he was on his way home. Seeing though how it is after midnight I doubt it.

You know, back to the sleep thing, I think I am a natural born worrier. I worry about everybody I care about. Worry about the unknown. I just need to shut my mind down.

I have a major bug to get out and do something. Which brings me to a comment from before. When my husband is gone I get out a lot more. Of course said in that snarky tone. God forbid I am not sitting at home pining for my love. I get out and do things that dh may not particularly enjoy. I know he doesn't want to go to the graveyard, or Ft Casey- the bunkers and the lighthouse fun funTime to explore and takr pictures. Going out for a movie and maybe Sushi

OK I am off to lay down again. I will be doing one of two things worried about stuff or sleeping. Though now I am craving something spicy. go figurerhj

I haven't heard from my husband in over 24 hours... should I call out a rescue party?? hahahaha
I am used to days and days without anything when he is at sea but when he is on shore duty he always calls at least once a day. I hope he went out with the guys and had a good time or something.

Well something other than "oops hon sorry I fell asleep". :)

No not a date haha. But rather I am officially enrolled in classes for the adoption process! I start on....Halloween! hahaha

I do OK handling the day to day stuff alone. I would love to have another adult here to talk to and that extra set of hands at times.
But come a time like now, The kids are asleep the dogs are asleep the house is quiet. I REALLY miss having dh here. This bed seems extremely big and empty. Don't tell him but I even miss the snoring too. Would having a stand-in husband JUST sleep in the bed be too close to "the fun stuff" that isn't in the stand-in job description? Yeah I am sure it is. Eh well dangit.

I spent the evening listening to some music. That was the highlight of the night for me. Pathetic no? I am thinking I really should get myself a MP3 player. This would kick ass for cleaning the house and on my walks. I can really lose myself in music. Which brings me to the next streaming thought. Music means a lot to me. Certain songs I attribute to different stages in my life. Songs that make me think of someone. Songs that bring me back to the point in my life where that song made a difference. I honestly though most everybody felt that way. That everybody has a connection to music in a similar way.

Do you know my husband doesn't? It is odd. I hear a song and say "honey this reminds me of you" I get at most an "uh huh" Well he has his talk radio haha. My middle son, he sees no need for music! He doesn't like going to concerts or a musical etc. Songs on the radio that make you want to sing at the top of your lungs cruising down the highway, he rolls his eyes and plugs his ears. OK it [i]could[/i] be me off key catterwalling but maybe not hahaha

Well enough of my rambling it is nearing midnight and I have a lot to do tomorrow morning. Got to put on that housewife hat ;) and keep up my end of things you know.
I will however crank up the music while doing it all ;p Good thing the baby loves music. he wil dance with me ;)

We all know my musical tastes are ALL over the map.
I however am really looking forward to the release of Sam's Town by The Killers
Wish I could find more audio samples from this CD though I like the When you were young Track a lot but not sure about the rest.

To become adoptive parents we will need 4 references. Only one may be a family member. People who know about our family, mine and dh's marriage, our kids etc. DSHS mails these forms directly to the addresses I provide. So tell me is it bad that I cannot think of enough people who might be willing to be references??

What a superb way to start out a post. Especially one that could potentialy be wroght with deep thought.
Anyway I dropped dh off at the airport. I am not a crier when I drop him off. Yes Imiss him A LOT . Whe he leaves for 6 mo to a year I may cry ;) But this is the same ol' stuff different day. Just the begining of the schedule we do know, home VERY little from now until Feb.
Add that on top of some life changes, that while are welcome also signify the end to other things.
I have just been a reminiscing fool. Thinking about my past, my present and wondering about the future. On the way home I was listening to 107.7 The End
I heard a song that brought back a TON of memories both from the past and present.


whenever I'm alone with you you make me feel
like i am home again whenever i'm alone with
you you make me feel like i am whole again
whenever i'm alone with you you make me feel
like i am young again whenever i'm alone with
you you make me feel like i am fun again

however far away i will always love you however
long i stay i will always love you whatever
words i say i will always love you i will always
love you

whenever i'm alone with you you make me feel
like i am free again whenever i'm alone with
you you make me feel like i am clean again

however far away i will always love you however
long i stay i will always love you whatever
words i say i will always love you i will always
love you

Got me to thinking how as we are starting to date, and test the waters. We start to form our ideal mate in our heads. On the attitude part My hudband is right on the mark. He is loving, he is witty, sarcastic, fun a bit (er lot) randy etc. I however did have a thing for 'bad' boys DH isn't he is a Moms dream :) Physicaly I went at one point for men who were tall, strong arms etc My husband has prefect arms and his height is just great even though he is 1 inch or so shorter than I am haha. Of course how many women do you know that are so close to 6ft tall? Well and not a rail thin model.
So WTH do we know when we are dating? I have come to the conclusion NOTHING! haha You end up with who compliments you the most who you compliment in life. I guess I am amazed how things turned out for me.


If that post wasn't a spew of about everything I am not sure what was!

I think that is about all I slept last night. I didn't hop on here and set my blog afire. I tried to get some sleep honest. It just wasn't working.
Probably nerves.
Anyway I am off to drive to SEATAC today should be a HOOT with me tired and very on edge. Can you say road rage?? hahaha kidding!! On days like this I wish I could flick many folks in the forehead though. Ahhh Ginas Law -idiocy gets you flicked in the forehead!
So wish me luck and cross your fingers miniman will take a nice LONG nap this afternoon so I could nap too

post for the evening. The kids all just went down and I am about to jump in the shower (in case you all gave a rats behind haha).
However my point of this post. I really want to do somethingwith my hair. maybe highlights? Ever since I cut it all off, the 14 inches of hair I donated to Locks Of Love , I have wanted to do something different. Should I grow it back out? Or color it?
Damn I went and got all girly!!!! When in the world did that happen? Next thing you know...dresses on a regular basis. HAHA

news on the kids. My oldest is upset that it wasn't going to be a child near his age. Then when he learned he would still be able to have his OWN room he was elated! hahaha My middle son is excited.
We explained about how I lost a lot of babies and how it was hard for mom and Dad to have a baby on their own. We would love to have more children and this way we can give a home to a child or children who need a home and a family and love. The kids think it will be great. DS#2 is looking forward to charing a room (and his new bed -not that particular one but that model- he will get out of the deal-he is going to have the top bunk) We also have the two twins and a crib heck we are set bed wise ;)
So now to get into the classes at the end of the month and get everything else started. Can you tell I am excited?

Today we got the foosball table for the boys. Talk about some giddy little boys!!! I swear though our next house, must have a rec room!
I know this next week, even moreso than usual, all of the neighborhood boys will be over to play! You figure the Xbox, gamecube, playstation, Nintendo DS's , HUGE playset, trampoline and a Mom who provides snacks.. I could get away with a covercharge at the door!! I could serve beer after 9pm and charge more of a cover for the adults. Hmmm the possibilities

OK all of that aside. As a band geek mom, a boners (trombone player's) Mom I must mention that my oldest son is FIRST chair trombone player in intermediate band AND first chair in Stage band, which is a mix of 7th and 8th graders (he is in 7th grade). Proud brag moment over.

DH and I talked tonight. We went through some of the possibilities, our wants and what we want out of the future with it all.
We decided to move forward with foster care adoption!! Done tada Move on forward!
They have classes in Early Nov to get the mandated training hours. DH will be here to tend to the 3 babes. Only one of us are required to attened the classes.
This of course all starting when Dh is set to go away for school for a few months. That and sea duty may throw a wrench in the works. But that is a bridge we will build when it comes to it :)
We talked about either a child #3's age or younger. Or a sibling group of two the oldest being 5 or so and a younger sibiling.
I am excited at the possibility!
Wish us luck send good vibes and all that stuff

Some Sushi! It has been too long. I would love to make a trip to Seattle and get some good Sushi. Maybe make a day of it. The only drawback? My oldest REALLY dislikes fish. I wonder if there are any places that serve Sushi and burgers or something hahahaha You know what is weird? He will eat Calamari with me and California rolls but not fish. There has to be some compromise here. hmmmmm Maybe I can take him out for a burger for lunch and then go get Sushi for the two youngest and I. That should work ;)

I went on a walk today with Gunther (our 100 pound GSD) and DS#2. It was just under 3 miles. My ususal walk. Anyway it gave me some time to think, well when I wasn't talking to DS about the food chain and people who litter (actually two different topics though if you think about it they do relate). I love living here. I especialy think that the nice weather had something to do with my mood ;) I have this odd connection to water. I love living near water. I almost feel I have to. Weird isn't it? It doesn't matter if it is the ocean, a river, lake or otherwise. I really wonder why that is?
Seeing as how we live on an island I am in heaven. We are on the side that has better views and more water. It is very calming and serene. Maybe that is my water connection? I need that calming effect hmmm possibility.
I am going again tonight on that same walk with Gustav and DS #1 or 2 again. Depending on the child I take with me it is amazing at the difference in topics of conversation.

Anyway here I am waiting on laundry messing around on my laptop and I have my Motorola talkabout. Why the talkabout? Well DS#1 is out and about the neighborhood and I use it to keep tabs on him! Wow Mom's of the mobile age eh? haha

I have a tattoo. I have wanted another for a long while. I want a Celtic Knotwork, a motherhood knot. I want it in green. I think I want it on my left leg but we will see.
Anyway I am going through Rate my ink and I am laughing at some of the comments on some peoples tattoos "I think it is great that the blind are tattooing now" Or on that back piece EVERY woman has "gee a tattoo there? THAT is original!"
I wonder if dh will let me go get my tattoo done when he gets back home??

within the next year:

Refinance the house
rebuild the motor on the pick-up
Buy a new car (large enough for the WHOLE family) Get a good interest rate ;) -possibly trade in the car for it.
Build a pergola over the back deck
PAINT Our bedroom, all three of the boys's bedrooms, and figure out the downstairs paint schemes
Build a shed
Get the garage organized and able to hold A CAR!!

Do it all and be debt free again (except for a new car payment and mortgage) by Oct 2007. Totally doable. Now to HOPE dh is home and has time to help with some of it.

Do I blog at odd hours of the night? Well I cannot sleep a lot. I figure this means my mind is moving and I need to get something off of my chest/mind. No not that my mind is in my chest Geesh hehe
OK I will apologize for any extreme sway in stream of thought. I AM exhausted I just cannot sleep.
Oh get this my middle son comes home todat, picture day, with his shirt buttoend wrong. I will bet you all money that the photographer did NOT catch it and just let it go. Yet another year of BAD school photos. Lord help them if they ever become famous and they show those pictures hahaha
Lots on my mind. Thinking about a lot of things, a lot of people a lot I am not even sure DH wants to hear (well read anyway).
I am upset that we try to talk on topics, we cannot so I blog it, knowing the man will read it. He does but it still doesn't spark that 'hey I should snuggle up with the wife and talk about this' Him and his dang cranial rectal interface at times. And dang me for being too woman like and not outright saying "OK sit down let's talk about x,y and z". Maybe in the next decade I will get it right. By the time I have it figured out the biggesdt decision will be what walker to get ;)
I always get a bit anxious when hubby gets ready to leave too. This time snuck up to me. Trust me sea duty is hellish on my emotions. And that big gray bitch is looming on the horizon.
In other news.... Our rescue is working well on his road to rehabilitation. He actualy caught a ball today! He was so darn proud of himself. For a dog that shyed away from petting and playing and any louder that normal voice. He is making GREAT strides.
OK well I poured my last glass of blackberry wine I will be sad to see it go, yet I am intrigued at heading to a wine tasting of theirs!
We were talking cars again tonight. My disappointment has been the lask of a hybrid in the larger SUV or minivan. We found the Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid. Nice seats 7, has all of the little extraswe want except for the close to $45K pricetag!!!
DH suggests the The Chevrolet Uplander It is a flex fuel vehicle. E85 ethanol. Add on the same seating same options for $33K much more doable.
I had wanted an Oddessy but no hybrid or flex fuel options so blech
OK I am going to try to catch a few Z's

We are the PROUD owners to Gustav. There has been no contact from his previous owners at all. No getting his old records or anythin (if there were any).
BUT he is here with us, a part of our family, our pack.
He has made HUGE strides and I only see a bright future for him here

Well I am done I cooked dinner (London broil, rice and veggies) I also made Brownies for dessert :) I am just on a roll today hahaha
I had a relaxing shower I LOVE my Japanese Cherry Blossom wash and lotion. I smells wonderful. I guess the best way to describe it would be 'romantic'. My luck is because I like it they will stop carrying it!
Today in looking through boxes for my book (which I still haven't found) I found Love Is Hell OMG!!! talk about a blast from the past!! OMG I love this book. And umm I am sorry to the person how I ummm borrowed it from umpteen years ago ;) Reading it again is cracking me up! I recommend it to you all.
The boys and I are making tentative plans to go to Whidbey Island next weekend. Do a tour of some lighthouses, graveyards and old bunkers on the beaches. I know GRAVEYARDS?!?!?!? yes I love taking pictures of old tombstones and cemetaries. And go to the base on Whidbey to see The Ant Bully at the base theatre.
OK I am going to lay back and relax and watch Survivor tonight Normally I would watch it with DS#2 but he and his brother cannot stop bickering so he doesn't get to. disappoints me too to be honest.

Eh well that is it.
Until next time. You know you will miss me ;)

DS#1 brought home his first progress report. It is just the one for English HOWEVER he is getting an A-!!!!! Way to go big man!
A few percentage point from a solid A.
He says the other progress reports wil be coming home soon and he insists they are all A's and B's!

Well It comes time for me to start shopping. Normaly I buy a few things starting in the summer EEEK
My oldests birthday is in a month. I think he will be getting a Nintendo DS Lite. Yes I know many past problems but he is doing SO well and showing that he really has matured.
Ok that is done
For Christmas It will only be me and the two youngest boys here. First let me say I am going through a little bit of shock. I am used to cooking huge holiday meals!!! Anyone want to come over so I can cook for you? Just bring the wine ;)
But My oldest we are going to get him a Go Kart. And a couple of small things
My youngest we are getting this Little Leaps Grow-with-me Learning System and That annoying as all get out Tickle me Elmo if I can find it and hmmmm he loves to build things maybe blocks
Now for the little man. My Middle son. We are STUMPED. Books (his request) and????? UGH I really hate not knowing what to get him. He says he wants flying lessons but yeah we aren't rich! Maybe if I could find some program at a zoo for an assistant zooologist or zoo keeper for kids. Hmmm
DH well I can wait til Feb to get his stuff haha but he has posted on his blog some of his wishes. Maybe I will rebuild his computer for him. Because of course we all know I am only capable of such things when he isn't home ;) He insists I "play girly" and act like I need a man to do those things when he is home but when he is gone I am super do it all woman haha.
So there is my pre-holiday panic. Well not too much of a panic but it is all good

The kennel project was started last night. Now it turns out that I need 10 more bags of gravel to complete it! GRRRRR
So on payday I will do that. Considering DH will be gone I guess I will have to do it all myself. I did the getting it home, but dh did the rest this time
Speaking of him being gone I really wish we took advantage of going to see him when he was on travel this summer. But now the boys will be in school and as much as I could TRY to play it off as an educational trip. Taking the boys out of school to go to San Diego , well I cannot justify it.

Rolls around and my body tells me get up it is morning and time to wake up for the day! UGH what a pain in the arse!
It was all great last night after I watched my recording of House (love that show), I fell asleep ready to snuggle in for the night. Then my body thinks 4 hours is enough? Dangit! I wish my internal clock woud reset itself already.
So here it is 3 am now and I have nothing to do. Hubby is sleeping. After his PRT yesterday, having that cold and the fact he gets up to go to work in about an hour and a half. TO be honest I do not feel like going downstairs and cleaning or anything
I guess I could watch some shows on the DVR.
OK well enough rambling. I and looked around online and nothing is exciting. Someone saaaaavvvveeee meeeeeeeee. haha

Why in the world are school portraits SO expensive?
And my sons pick school portraits to look their worst! hahaha

Guys Think You're Easy to Be With... But Not Easy

You're definitely a flirt - and a good one. But you also know that you shouldn't make a move on any cute guy who passes by. You save your seductive moves for someone who already knows the real you. That way, your sex appeal is just part of the whole package.

You Are a Tiny Tease

You like to flirt and show off your body, but what confident woman doesn't. You enjoy male attention, and you're usually pretty good at not leading men on. However, there are times when you get carried away with your sexy behavior. It's okay to use your amazing flirting powers for good - but never for evil!

You Are Ani Difranco!

Honest, real, and well liked. You're not limited by any boundaries. "And you can call me crazy But I think you're as lazy as white paint on the wall"

You Are 58% Passionate, 42% Compassionate

You possess an ideal balance of passion and compassion. You definitely can get swept away and lose your head a little. But you're rarely a fool for love!

You Scored 75% Correct

You are an 80s expert You never confuse New Order with the Pet Shop Boys You know which classical musician Falco rocked When it comes to 80s music, you Just Can't Get Enough!

This one honest to goodness came out this way coinky dink?

Your True Love Is a Taurus

Why you'll love a Taurus: Romantic and sentimental, a Taurus can provide you with the security you need. And you both share a fondness for the finest things, from great food to luxury vacations. Why a Taurus will love you: You have the honesty and direct approach that down to earth Taurus desires. And enough elegance to show a Taurus a few new decadent delights!

Your Values Profile

Loyalty: You value loyalty a fair amount. You're loyal to your friends... to a point. But if they cross you, you will reconsider your loyalties. Staying true to others is important to you, but you also stay true to yourself. Honesty: You don't really value honesty. You do value getting your way, no matter what. And if a little lying is required to do that, no problem. A few white lies never hurt anyone (at least, that's what you tell yourself!) Generosity: You value generosity highly. So much so that you often put your own needs last. There's nothing wrong with having a caring heart... But you may want to rethink your "open wallet" policy. Humility: You value humility a fair amount. You tend to be an easy going, humble person. But occasionally your ego takes over. You have a slight competitive streak - and the need to be the best. Tolerance: You value tolerance highly. Not only do you enjoy the company of those very different from you... You do all that you can to seek it out interesting and unique friends. You think there are many truths in life, and you're open to many of them.

You Are A Fir Tree

You love anything beautiful, and you have extraordinary taste. And while it's hard for you to trust, you care deeply for those close to you. You are a social butterfly, and you have many friends. You handle stress well - and you are a master at relaxing after a hard day. Overall, you are modest, talented, unselfish, and very reliable.

You Have A Type B+ Personality

You're a pro at going with the flow You love to kick back and take in everything life has to offer A total joy to be around, people crave your stability. While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity. Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's done You're passionate - just selective about your passions

Your Love Life Secrets Are

Looking back on your life, you will only have one true love. You're a little scarred from your past relationships, but who isn't? You expect a lot from your lover - you want the full package. You tend to be very picky. In fights, you speak your mind and don't hold back. You know you're right, and you can get quite angry about it. Break-ups can be painful for you, but you never show it. You hold your head high.

Your Love Quote

Death can not stop true love, it can only delay it for a little while.

Well the next 10 days up here are the stereotypical Pacific Northwest weather. 7 out of 10 days are raining.
Fri and Sat are clearer so I Will have to get everyone motivated for one LAST outdoor project until Spring. We need to clear out a place, move the dog kennel and put in the gravel I bought. UGH what a long tedious task that will be. Do you think I can get away with just supervising?

hubby asked if I was typing and complaining about him! Haha guess I have been doing a lot of that lately. I told him nope. He then asked if it was about sex... men, got to love them ;) so there you go honey. Not only did I talk about you but I also talked about sex :p

In writing to an old friend about why in the world I even wanted to talk to him again. I was trying to convey "hey yeah you may have been an ass in the past. But it is now I have moved on I do not dwell on the past BS. I try to remember only the good stuff." But of course in my from my brain straight to the keyboard way, it came accross as. "I remember the good things. Yeah you were an ass." DOH. OK HAD I been wearing shoes it would have been tasty shoe leather but you get the metaphorical point there ;) I did let him know though that should he still feel guilt jewelry is always nice hahahaha
Odd thing is the man I knew -back when- my oldest son reminds me a lot of him. Yeah he can be an ass too but that isn't it. It is the free thinker free spirit type. Now my friend may disagree with this association but, I can sort of see it.
There are certain people in your life that always stick in your mind. People that you still care about them, their well being and where their lives have gone. Not in hoping to reconnect in any type of romantic way but truly as a friend. Now Christoper Meloni on the other hand, rawr! HAHAHAHA I kid! I really do. I have the dream man. Itelligent, witty, loving Nothing like a man who makes you smile everyday and never leaves the house without kissing me and talling me he loves me :)

that is my 'look at how Gina was an idiot today' post.

You know I have been meaning to put together a list of things I want to do before I die. Sounds a touch morbid doesn't it? haha Seriously it is more of a goal sheet for myself. It, and what my list should include has been on my mind for awhile. I keep thinking of things then I think of reasons it shouldn't be on my list. Doesn't that just defeat the whole purpose of my list? I want it to be things that may be outside the norm for me. Things to push me outside of my comfort zone. Things that will create memories of a lifetime.
I need to get over myself I swear.

you Meet In Heaven. What an amazing movie. Very touching very thought provoking. I really suggest you watch it. .

No matter what your 'career' in life, everything you do everyone you encounter you touch and change their life.

Who do you think your 5 people would be? What lessons would they be there to show you?

10:45pm and I am up and no one else is. I just got done hanging up a few of my photos I framed.
I think this is the only time in my life I decorated a bathroom lol
I think I will sneak in, light a candle and take my bath. If it weren't for that pesky water + electicity = bad juju I would take the laptop in there too :)

You know I so go in spurts with this blog. I post several times a day or not for weeks. eh live with it. Read it or don't I guess heck not even sure how many readers I have well aside from my husband! haha

Yeah I drew up a bath for dh and the youngest a Eucalyptus and menthol bath. The warm bath and the other stuff should help clear them both up. Darn cold
I even gave dh a stress relief salt scrub.. anyone see the backwards logic I have going here?? lol I guess I am a bass ackwards woman and I like to spoil my husband well housefull of little men too.
So for all the bitching and moaning I do on occasion, I really do have a good life, I really do enjoy providing for my family and I AM happy. Just with moments of foot stomping attitude too. haha
Goes to prove I am not 100% Stepford Wife ;)

Lets see
Monday: work
Tuesday: work
Wednesday: work
Thursday:work
Friday: work
Saturday:work
Sunday: work
Sick days-non exsistant
Days off- Non exsistant
mental health days-non exsistant
Hmmm I wish I had a union or something.
Can you tell it has been a VERY long few days?? Hubby is sick, the middle and youngest are sick. And the oldest is just pissy.
A glass of wine maybe a hot bath, earplugs and locks on the door... solitude much needed right now. I think it is time for me to head out with my camera again and lose myself in taking pictures for awhile. an hour or two would do me wonders.

This blog is my venting point, my sounding board, my BS receptacle however you would like to look at it.
Let me start by saying I love my husband a lot. Really, I didn't think a marriage could be happy needless to say love filled. He has shown me different. HOWEVER, (there it is again the word that makes husbands cringe world wide) if DH and the oldest do not stop butting heads and having a battle of the wills I WILL GO NUTS!!
I am tired of the yelling. I am tired of the tude from both sides.
I am at the point of telling my dear lovely husband that he needs to take these few weeks away and blow off some steam and come back with a different attitude, or.... Well I may leave for awhile myself.
They are both very hard headed and this will be an interesting 6 years if one or both of them doesn't learn to give a little.

So there you have my grumble grumble, beat my head against the wall, wish I could taking up drinking issue.
Much better. No off to poke around the net a bit and see if anything pokes back!

Tonight we try Ambien. I swear they pay people to test medications right? I feel like a test subject.
I took one and I am still upright, so we will see. I can take up to two a night. Wish me sweet dreams, or heck even some wickedly weird dreams.
I will take what I can get!

Until later.

Well curriculum night went well. Little mans teacher had glowing things to say about him and again she wants him in the gifted program. This gifted but not gifted enough program doesn't cut it. He is NOT challenged enough. Apparently the teacher sees the same thing, as did his teacher last year. Nothing worse than a bored perfectionist!
So back to the testing again. yippie skippy-NOT.
Other than that we now bite the bullet and wait for my oldests back to school night. He is also bright and gifted. But he "just needs to apply himself". Lordy I thought I would never say that. Yet here I am the typical parent. I guess the oldest is just misunderstood, the artistic type typically are. We will hear a lot of, if he would slow down, turn in his work etc. Oh did you know he wants to work for Nintendo. He would like to be a game delevoper. But not at just any Nintendo, Nintendo Japan!
I am doing what I can to raise the next generation of super geeks ;)

Well it has come that time of year again. The time for our impressionable young children to be made into young AMWAY salespeople. My oldest son's school has cut to the chase and only does ONE fundraiser a year. So for him this is it. No more of me dropping you an e-mail soliciting you (you people that just giggled shame! hehe).
So if you would and could renew your magazines, get a new subscription or CD or whatever else they sell we would all greatly appreciate it. The school gets 40% of each order.
Alex wants to sell 100 items this year. Lofty goals but I always tell him to aim high. So pass the link along and muscle your friends and family into ordering too PLEASE?!?!



Click here THANK YOU

I have trouble with insomnia no secret there. I have been having trouble for about a year. Back when I was hmmmm ok I will say it, YOUNG. Going to bed at 4am and up at 6am was doable. I do that now for a few days and I can barely function. My brain is not where it should be. Keeping that good ol' train of thought on the tracks can be a challenge.
I get on the phone today with my doctors office I say that yes again it is me and again the medicine didn't work. Then I hang up. It is at that point that my mind starts to work. In horror, I think did I not say bye to my nurse. I may have actualy said I love you!!! No way did I actualy do that? You cannot exactly call back and ask can you? Can you imagine the embarassment? "hey yeah not do sound like an idiot again but did I say 'I love you'? Either way it will end in laughter and maybe not all that flattering lol.
So I will guess that if my service improves and the nurse starts to wink at me or throw some samples of the good drugs my way.... She loves me too! HAHAHA

Well the two older boys are off to school.
I have not got my butt out of bed yet. OK I have gotten some laundry done and DVD's made etc but I am still in bed. Bad enough I have to pee and I am putting it off because that means getting up to go to the bathroom lol Must be the cooler mornings OK that and the lack of sleep.
I have to go to the post office today and I am debating which Post Office to go to. Do I go to the one in town? There is construction and I would have to park farther away, get the boxes and baby into the stroller and head over to the PO. Or I could go to the next town over and just pull right up in front. Again it has come down to how utterly lazy am I???
I like it much more when I do get sleep! YAWN!!
Maybe I will get a nap today :)

Well this is probably too deep for me to get into since I had the worst nights sleep (btw Rozerem does NOT work for me).
Let me start by saying I love my boys. They are the world to me honest. Now that is not saying there aren't days where I just want some time to myself or to run away to some beach and have my own private cabana boy ;)
I dream of having another child, idealy two more. However Mother Nature is a cruel woman. She cursed me with seoncary infertility. It took 6 YEARS to have Grady. 6 years. That is not counting the losses prior to successfully carrying him to term.
We have been 'not preventing' since he was born. Even tried a couple of IUI's about $1,000 on those procedures. No success. It breaks my heart it really does. Our insurance does NOT cover any reproductive endocronologists (RE) in the state. They are, at this point our only hope I think. I am not getting any younger. I once had dreams I would have had my 4 or 5 children by the time I reached 30. I had my third at age 30. There is little hope of me having another at all before I turn 35.
I have also wanted to add to our family through adoption as well. So many kids out there in the foster care system that need families. I look at the photo listings and my heart breaks. I am also drawn to some of these kids. I know we could be the family they need to make their life complete. Some people say that adopting a child through the system is "such a gamble" that you never really know what type of problems they will have. Well the same can be said for a child you give birth to. If you doubt that I would like to introduce you to my oldest son! No matter what you do, the precautions you take etc you are not guaranteed a 'perfect' child health and/or emotional wise.
Now my husband has said he does not want to adopt. Why because he is afraid he will treat the child differently. Afraid of the "you are not my REAL Dad" thing. Afraid of the unknown problems that will come along. A lot of this, based on him and my older son. I am mad. YES mad! I feel like he is backing out of things in a way.
I do 90% of the child raising, caring for the house etc. It is, or, well should be easy for him. We talked about this all, how many children me being a SAHM etc BEFORE we got married. I know things change but maybe this is one thing I didn't WANT to have change.
How much of my desire to have a family do I compromise? Should I just be content having my three boys and forget anymore. Should I do this because it is what my husband wants? Is it having a biological child or nothing? It isn't like I can just sneak a child into the house without dh noticing. Or "oops" a pregnancy or something-heck I couldn't if I tried haha.
I know marriage is about compromise and communication etc but how much of my dreams do I give up? Were IS the line between compromise and giving up ones dreams? Am I being selfish? Is dh? Are we both too stubborn and pig headed to actualy talk this out? Is there a middle ground here? UGH!!

OK I am enrolled! I am waiting on my scholarship and my financing to go through and that is it.
Called my doctor. Told her Lunesta was great but our love affair has ended and I need to move on.
Called DS#1's dr got him his post-op appointment.
Got a package ready to mail postage printed, now I just have to drop it off.
It is fragile and and convienient as the click-n-ship is with fragile items I still have to take it to the PO so they can inspect it.

I need to pick up paint for our bedroom. Anyone want to paint for me? I hope to start this weekend before DH leaves. You think I can talk him into manual labor?
I can use my feminine wilds... haha eh a girl can try

I have to take #1 to the orthodontist. Yet another money pit for us haha.
Then I hope dh can handle making dinner (A matter of tossing together leftovers). I am BEAT. The up every hour is exhausting

Well the flame is not as bright as it could be. Turns out while Lunesta was a dream love to begin with. While it helps me get to sleep I am NOT sleeping through the night. I am up every hour or more at night! UGH I am not up for a long time each time but it still interrupts my sleep and I am waking up tired. Will anything ever work?

I have been looking forwad to going to Oktoberfest in Leavenworth WA It is about as close to Germany as I will get.
Dh mentioned he had to travel for more but it didn't click until tonight. Dangit "what dates were those again?!?!?!"

That is it. I need a stand in husband. Nah sorry none of the "fun extras" included. Just someone to go out and have a blast with, someone to walk arm in arm with down the street with. Someone who will play the high risk game of go to the Bavarian bakery get the kids all hopped up on sugar and drive the mountain roads back home! Which will give in first your sanity or their stomach or will we all win and the sugar high turns into a sugar crash haha
Who will help me search for Pomme Frites?
Who will insist they just saw bigfoot to see how long the kids will look for him?

Eh such is the life. And starting back on sea duty here soon I dang well better get used to it NOW.
No whining. I am putting on my big girl panties (yes they are pretty). And I am doing what I ALWAYS do. Go and have fun myself! Put the kids in the car call out 'road trip' and GO.
Any luck though he will be home in time for the closing weekend and I will get the best of all worlds :)

Before dh and I married we knew one of us was going to be the fulltime parent. He was and is in the Navy. Not exactly the home at dinner time, home for birthdays, holidays and school plays type of job. So I gave up my career when I got pregnant with #2. So almost NINE years now I have not had a "real" job. Along with the no real job comes no real timme away from work, no vacations, no clocking out and going home, No Putting the kids in the desk drawer and heading home to put my feet up have a nice glass of red wine (ahem OK so I have the wine!!). There are times I wish I had a job to go to, but we all know the woman would STILL have all of her duties at home.
DH leaves work. Takes off his unifrom kicksoff his boots and tada he is DONE for the day. He unwinds and relaxes and for the most part I am fine and dandy with it all. He does play with the kids at times
(which I clean up and mend any hurt feelings etc)all while I am trying to get dinner done AND dishes done. Then get the baby cleaned up and entertatined showerd change tucked in and read to. Make sure the older boys have homework done completely and corretly, chores done and there is nothing we need to talk about that didn't get brought up during family dinner.

I do NOT ask for much. However (a word that makes my husband cringe) I would like some me time. SOON enough he is leaving for the better part of a month, then a few months the back onto a ship and who know where in the world he will be. Or where he would see. He las time out The sechelles. Yes OK Tourist trap BUT I would have love to have seen it. Then he went to Australia. I wish I could have seen it with his as well. Am I jealous? No I wouldn't want his job if you paid me!! But I would Love to see some of the ports he has visited. He has said we can go after he retires (3 more years!!!!!!) I want to go to Eurpoe and see EVERYTHING. That won't take too long will it?

Just a bit overwhelmed. Add onto everything the fact we are both about ready start scdhool!!!
Maybe I will stop taking these heavenly little pills that help me sleep so I can do it all!!!

The summary to my rant, Sometimes Moms just need a break and more than 10 minutes without "honey can you change him" or "Mom he hit me" or any myriad of things that make me cringe. With all of that said. My husband DOES try I just don't think he grasps what is going on. As far as husbands go he is certainly not a sit on his ass scratch himself watch TV and belch kind of guy. Just hmmmm smart and "lost in thought" a lot aka unattentive when it really is not what he wants to be doing

I know most parents are complaining about schools but honestly, I am glad we chose this district to live in. Maybe my standards are a little lower after what schools I went to and the ones the oldest started out in. haha How I made it out of CA knowing my alphabet I will never know. Seriously it wasn't that bad but it wasn't getting better as the years went on.

This year my 3rd grader had to pick an elective! I do not think I KNEW what electives were until middle school. He picked a technology course and he is so darn excited. I am raising the next generation of super geeks we all know it.
He will also be taking a Spanish class! If he continues through 5th grade this he will be good to take another language course in middle school. Here they offer German and Japanese!

My oldest son plays trombone. Yes folks in band geek terms the boy is a "boner" isn't that too flippin' funny?!?!?!?! You know I bet I made fun of band geeks when I was growing up. Now I have my very own to be exceptionaly proud of :) I am just VERY happy they have a music program :) Anyway not only is he in intermediate band but also stage band. He had to be selected and all. I will have to get video up here of their first preformance in Nov. Stage band kick ass. They play jazz and rock etc.

Let me add too that DS#1 is taking algebra for high school credit (he is in 7th grade) and the school was good enough to take him out of PE and put him in his second semester elective instead because of his surgery. Instead of making him sit around because he is on activity restriction due to the surgery and do nothing they changed the schedule.

Let me also look at the fact that somehow I birthed a child, technicaly children, who are exceptional at math. Must be some genetic mutation!

Well that is it on the kid brag/.spew. Ick "kid spew" let's rethink that statement!

I know but just listen maybe you will understand. To really add an odd twist to things DH went and picked-up my new love. He brought him home. Later that night I crawled into bed with my new love. I looked at him and tried to decide if this was really what I wanted. I answered that with a resounding YES!!!!!
My new love? Lunesta !!!!
My doctor got back to me she had several samples of Lunesta for me to try for my insomnia. She is a good doc she says…”let’s not waste more money on some medicine that may not work. Let’s see what samples I have”
SO I begged DH after he got home to drive into town and pick up the meds. He had just gotten home from work, had then stopped to do the recycling then came home and was nice enough to go BACK into town. I had so little sleep over the few days I didn’t trust myself driving.
I took one pill at 1030pm and by 11 I was out.
The bad news, at 12 I woke up with bad stomach pains. Dh went and got me some Maalox and a couple pieces of bread. So I have learned that I need to eat some crackers or a piece of bread with this medicine.
I woke up at 6 am not groggy or anything!!
The true test will be the remainder of the week. If it continues to work I will be doing so much better! Getting 0-4 hours of sleep a night was REALLY getting to me.

Lunesta. The way they make it sound I had better take it while IN bed so I don't fall asleep on the floor otw to bed!!!
Update to come... If it is at 3 am I do not think it will be a happy update!! lol

One, Remember those old commercials? the eggs in a frying pan "This is your brain on drugs" thing. Well I have learned that Brain Age is an excellent guage of insomnia on your brain. So you hold up the Nintendo DS and show your pitiful and ever dropping score and say "This is your insomniac brain"

I do not have good gay-dar. I have recently taken to watching The Dog Whisperer. I SWORE Cesar was gay! Then on one episode they said "and Cesar's wife.." NO WAY! Wow I was wrong and then his son. Wow well I must have read him very wrong.

My insomnia is not only effecting the amount of sleep (Duh the definition of insomnia) but since I got so out of whack I Have a really odd sleeping schedule. I finally fall asleep at 4-5 am and then sleep until 9 Or if dh is home to care for the kids I sleep unilt 10 or 11. What a pain. Please please I want my doctor to call me tomorrow with a miracle sleep aid!!

well almost 3 am yet again and here I am awake. I AM TIRED OF NOT BEING TIRED!! haha I would also be handling this better if there was a REASON I can't sleep.
Now if I only had a few hundred dollars for the paint and molding and chair rail ideas I have for the boys' rooms. I would be happy.

Well lets see, pear jam from yesterday, PEACH jam today, Some killer potato salad I might add.
Tomorrow I MUST finish off those pears for pear butter. That will bring me to about oh... 30 jars of jams and jellies for winter and gifts?? Not bad.

I just laughed at the whole 'winter' thing. Like we live in some desolate place that gets snowed in and no food or anything lol . But we do lack as much fresh fruit in the winter.

OK I should change my name to Suzy. As in SUZY HOMEMAKER!
I bought pears yesterday. A BIG box of overripe pears (for only a few $). So far two batches of spiced pear jam. So that is 7 jars of jam. Well I have two more batches to get out of that box but instead I am making Pear butter. I also have some peaches. Peach jam anyone??
I also made a batch of Jalapeno Jelly YUMMMMMM
For breakfast I made bisuits and gravy
I aslo got corn and I will be blanching and freezing it for winter. At 8 ears for $1 It is worth it!
I also got potatoes and I am making some red potato salad.
I am marinating steaks for dinner.
I am making boston baked beans.
I am making a Jell-o poke cake
A soda cake
Cutting strawberries for shortcake.
I have to convince DH to snap some beans so I can blanch and freeze those too.

Now you all are wondering, "WOW Gina how many people are coming over for dinner?" Yeah it is just my family!

I DO have a girly bone or two in my body!!
I am craving going in to the salon to get a pedicure I believe it was Michelle who started me on those!). I long for a manicure!
Olsay daily facials are THE BOMB!!
Biore pore s